1. Welcome to the Team!
Parent Orientation 2018/19

2. Overview of the Team The 3 Tracks of our Team:
Speech
Debate
Oral Interpretation/Acting
We compete mostly in individual events, but we are all on the same Team.
We may be called the “speech team,” “debate team,” or “drama & debate team,” but we are actually COMPETING IN FORENSICS

3. What is Forensics?
While “CSI” has made forensic SCIENCE quite popular, speech forensics was actually here first!
Forensics comes from a Latin word meaning “before the forum” (in front of an audience)
In Roman times, persons charged with a crime would have to give speeches based on their side of the story. The one with the best argument and delivery style would win.
Science adapted the term because forensic science deals with the LEGAL aspects of findings, and their presentation of those facts in a courtroom setting.
So try saying you’re in “forensics” without having to explain the difference to people!

4. Why compete on the Team?
We spend many Friday nights and Saturdays at speech tournaments, so why do we do it?
Awesome and entertaining performances
A chance to share our opinions, ideas, and interpretations with others through performance
Increased self-esteem and confidence
The opportunity to earn membership in the National Forensic League Honor Society
The chance to win awards, travel, make friends and connections, and add to college applications

5. Governing Organizations
OSSAA Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association
Sponsor of local tournaments and the State tournament
Must win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, at a qualifying tournament to qualify for Regionals. Must do the same at Regionals to Qualify for State.
NFL
National Forensic League
Sponsor of district tournaments and the National tournament
25 points to become an NFL member (earned at TFA tournaments)
Earn advanced degrees
Gain advantage for college

6. Governing Organizations
OSSAA events:
LD and CX Debate
Student Congress
U.S. and Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking
Original Oratory & Standard Oratory
Humorous and Dramatic Interp
Duet Acting
Prose & Poetry (not nationals qualifying events)
NFL events:
LD and CX Debate
Public Forum Debate
Student Congress
U.S. and Foreign Extemp
Original Oratory
HI and DI
Duo Interp
National supplemental events include Expository, Prose, Poetry, Storytelling, & Impromptu

7. Tournament Attendance
Sign up for tournaments before the entry deadline
Check your schedule for potential conflicts before signing up for tournaments
Check with your parents before signing up
You are responsible for paying drop fees after the deadline!
Varsity & Debate must attend 2 tournaments per semester. Novice must attend 1 per semester.
You may sign up to observe at ONE tournament without competing
You MUST be prepared! You must show your Coach your event(s) before you can attend the tournament
Come with the attitude that you will do well.
When not competing, you should be watching rounds
You MUST be passing ALL of your classes to compete!

8. A Tournament Schedule Examples:
Some tournaments are held Friday AND Saturday (see sample >>) Others are held Saturday only

9. A Tournament Schedule Examples:
Some tournaments are held Friday AND Saturday Others are held Saturday only (see sample >>)

10. Dress to Impress!
Remember to dress for your PERFORMANCE, not for your style
Women’s dress code
Men’s dress code
No pajamas, jeans, sweats, etc. – competitors must remain in tournament clothes throughout the tourney
Exception – comfy shoes between rounds

11. Tournament Conduct
Be sure to keep in touch with your parents throughout the tournament, but let them know that CELL PHONES must be turned off during rounds
Be sure to give a copy of the tournament schedule to your parents
Stay flexible- depending on the success of the Team, we could be late or come home earlier.
Competitors are NEVER to leave the location campus.
Professional and mature behavior in the cafeteria, during rounds, in restrooms, and at the Awards ceremony is expected at ALL TIMES.
Unbecoming conduct could result in suspension from tournaments, calls to parents, etc.

12. Interp Material Guidelines
It is our policy to forbid profanity or offensive material for performance.
However, script content cannot be edited in advance, so students should read with caution and maturity
Other schools may not have this policy, so students should be cautioned that there may be offensive material performed at competitions.
Make good choices, and discuss anything questionable with your Coach ASAP.

13. Our Website Check here often! www.PCHSDramaDebate.weebly.com
Team announcements, results, photos, and upcoming events
Links include
Tournament calendar
Individual tournament schedules/invitations
Research links
Debate & Interp links
Student Congress links & Legislation
Speech links

14. Other Technology Google Classroom Remind Team & Class networking site
Password protected
Remind
Team texting
*NEW* Parent Remind
to 81010
Tournament Remind
to 81010

15. Our Tournament We need LOTS of adult Judges!
Please help us save our budget by judging
Resources are on our website!
To view the sign up, go to:

16. We will have other sign ups for parents to assist with costumes, sets, etc throughout the year.
Please check the website regularly and make sure you are on the parent remind.

17. Let’s have a Terrific Year!
Coach Smith’s
Coach Smith’s cell phone: